Top Ten Nightlife Events of 2012 in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County

Folks, it's officially a wrap. We're just hours away from saying goodbye to 2012 and welcoming 2013 in with open arms. And as the nightlife editor, I would like to take you on a little trip down memory lane to visit some of my favorite events of the year. While I couldn't make it out to each and every party, (C'mon people, I'm only one person!) I'm hoping to cover some more ground in 2013.

In no particular order, here's my list of the ten best nightlife events of 2012 around Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County. And if you didn't make that cut, maybe you should throw a better party! I kid. I kid.

Photo by Monica McGivern

10. Hurly-Burly Burlesque at the Speakeasy Lounge, Lake Worth Seriously, if ya'll missed out on this event, I don't even know what to say to you. It was absolutely insane! I almost couldn't put the evening into words because as I was quite speechless throughout the entire show. These guys really took the whole burlesque thing to a a new level. While it might have been a bit chaotic (and very hairy!), it was a wildly good time.

Photo by Ian Witlen

9. Swarm 7 at the Black Locust Society Warehouse, Fort LauderdaleThe Black Locust Society crew really knows how to throw an event. So, it's no surprise that I'm including them on the list. Honestly, it was a bit difficult choosing just one of their parties, but I had to keep it fair. While all the college bros and babes were out on the A1A, BLS transformed its warehouse into a way better version of Spring Break. Three words: beach ball drop.

Photo by Christina Mendenhall

8. Lea Vendetta's Calendar Release Party and Tattooed Beauty Contest at Dada, Delray BeachOver the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the lovely Lea Vendetta, tattoo artist and former Ink Master contestant selected me as a judge for her tattooed beauty contest. I was more than excited to do it as she's such a sweetheart, and I have so much love for all the tattooed ladies out there. Held outside at Dada, the State Of and Ferocious Stones provided the soundtrack for the night, and we all froze our butts off while scoping out the beautiful contestants. Having over 20 entries, it was so difficult to crown just one!

Photo by Ian Witlen

7.County Grind Metal Night at the Green Room, Fort LauderdaleIs it wrong to select our own night as one of the events for this list? Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. But, what can I say? Music editor, Liz Tracy knows how to put together one helluva party. And the metal night was quite possibly one of most stand out County Grind events this year. Miami bands Shroud Eater, Holly Hunt, and Devalued took the stage that night and totally killed it. Maybe I'm a little biased as I have serious girl crushes on the Shroud Eater ladies.

Fact: I love, love, love John Hughes movies. Seriously, I could spend an entire day having a full-on movie marathon. Not to mention I had a major teenaged crush on Michael J. Fox. So, when the folks at Subculture put together this rad double feature event at Gateway Theater, I couldn't resist going. The icing on the cake? There was a Delorean parked outside the theater!! It took some major restraint on my part to not slide across that hood.

In all honesty, I completely and totally adore all things Day of the Dead related. So I was pretty ecstatic when FAT Village first started throwing a DOTD celebration a few years back. Now in it's third year, the 2012 celebration was bigger and so much better. It was definitely a sensory overload, but in the best way possible. Next year, I'm totally painting my face for the festivities.

Photo by Betsey J. Denberg

4.Caturday Saturday at the Green Room, Fort Lauderdale There were kittens at the Green Room! Yes, real live kittens! Need I say more?

Photo by Christina Mendenhall

3. John Waters at Parker Playhouse, Fort LauderdaleI'm not sure if this qualifies as a nightlife event, but I had to include it on my list. I mean, it happened at night, and it was quite an event. So... That fits, right? Of course. Plus, c'mon, it's John Waters, John effin' Waters. I ended up meeting him after the show (humble brag) and he is as sweet as pie.

Photo by Betsey J. Denberg

2. Tattooers and Illustrators Art Show at 15 West, Fort LauderdaleThere is without a doubt an endless amount of art shows happening throughout the course of the year. And to attend them all is an impossible task. But, when I heard that an old friend of mine was curating this show, I just had to check it out. Despite it being at this weird nightclub -- which is now closed -- it didn't take away from the event at all. I loved how it highlighted so many of the amazing and talented tattoo artists who reside in the South Florida area.

Photo by Ian Witlen

If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.

SHOW ME HOW

Newsletters

SUCCESS!

You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!

1. 5 Points Lounge Grand Opening Party in Fort LauderdaleIn Fort Lauderdale, we really are lacking in the local music scene venue department. Sure, we've got some big show venues, but it'd be nice to have some smaller places that double as a hangout. Following the closing of the Monterey Club, the folks over at Kreepy Tiki Tattoos gave the space next door a face lift.

For their grand opening party, what felt like all of South Florida came out to celebrate the new tiki-inspired bar. With Diablo Dimes and Everymen on stage, the room was packed to the gills. Still going strong, here's hoping for another great year at 5 Points Lounge.